London was the place to be during the holiday season. Simply to see the Tower of London crammed up against the sidewalk, across from office buildings, made me realize the enormous history of the country. Stonehenge was an amazing experience, the earth moved, and I stood still and watched through the rain. Of course, it would rain the one day of the week I planned a tour. Bath, with the Roman Bath that gives it its name, is a good example of a tourist attraction, complete with fire-breathers on the streets and 5,000 year old statues you can walk up and touch. So much history that instead of pressing you down with its weight, it lifts you up with the hope of how much human memory has survived. A peaceful place, even among the stress of not having a watch and needing to meet my tour bus on time. So it meant I meandered past the clockmaker's shop a few times. And, of course, Sally Lunn's famous tea restaurant, where I indulged in an enourmous bun with jam and clotted cream. I had no idea what it was at the time, but now I crave it some times.
Christmas was better than expected, dealing with the relatives' jokes about falling in love with a goatherd, and homophobia, and my boy cousins' steady descent into alarming Americana conservative sentiment and usual teenage hangovers. Not much to do where they live. It's so weird to see some of other cousins, all grown up, especially since we see them once a year and used to see them more. How different are these two families, with girls and boys of the same age.
New camera, sheets, puzzles, shirts, and random stuff for me for Christmas. New doll as well, I will make my future sons play with them all. Recently went to get new sheer white curtains, with a scarf, that gives my room a regal air completely out of character with its current messy state.
My internship ended on a high note, with a birthday ice cream cake and a party in my department, which I spoiled the surprise for just a little. I learned to grab video and stills, how web sites are produced and researched, and the value of public programming.
Raj's visit was awesome, she is always a joy to have around, never a dull moment, I just wish we had more time to talk (like we used to instead of getting our work done). The animals sing and dance, and movies are a lot funnier. Boston for New Year's was a great idea, except for the whole going North part. I am totally on for 2005 in Hawaii! Good road trip demographic as well, no awkwardness or fights, and a high level of comfort with one another. Now, sadly, we are back in NY, and Raj has left us to our own devices. Miss you, Raj!
Getting ready to leave for Chile on the 13th, I'm so nervous I swear I could shake. It's the whole traveling, meeting people, going it alone thing that I love. But in Newark before my flight to London I was shaking (good thing everyone thought it was from the cold). Too much adrenaline for me! Somebody tell my fight-or-flight to kick it down a notch. Also, the whole seeing your pololo after over a year thing is just a little stressful. I can't wait to be there and it scares the stuffing out of me, more so than going for the first time, I think.
Meanwhile, my boss has made me an offer for my current job to become permanent. Mulling it over, no details, sorry, gotta keep the public guessing.
On a more frivolous note, I finally got some professional-looking coats, a dark gray peacoat and a leather coat with faux fur inside. The leather coat smells of death, to me anyway, but the smell is good diet material, as it makes me rather nauseous, so it keeps me from being overly hungry. Perhaps I can market a new type of smell-o-diet. Hmm...
Nothing much on the writing front, just pictures being taken. I know, a boring news blog, no random thoughts.
Okay, one gripe: If Bush wins again, I will be officially confirmed of the stupidity of both the majority of this country and all Democrats and politicians. I may be forced to start a mass exodus. Two words: Tibetan monks.
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